QA

How To Build A Raised Bar Countertop

How do you raise the height of a countertop?

The easier way to raise the countertop height is to raise the entire base cabinet, because the only cosmetic change this requires is a wider toe kick. You do this by constructing a frame for the base cabinet that raises the countertop to the new height, lifting the cabinet and inserting the frame underneath it.

How deep should a bar height counter be?

Not Too Deep It should be large enough to fit a sink and fixtures but not so deep you can’t reach to the back. Typically a bar top that is a minimum of 18 inches deep works well, but you can extend this to 20 to 24 inches to allow more space for larger sinks and fixtures.

Can I use plywood for a bar top?

Hardwood veneer plywood can be used by itself for the parts for the top. This drawing shows how I configure 3/4″ plywood for commercial bar tops. This can also work well for residential use. The sizes can be altered as desired.

Are raised eating bar out of style?

Raised bars are out of fashion. Having one height benches give you much more bench space for preparation and entertaining.

How high can a countertop be?

36 inches Standard Countertop 36 inches (3 feet) Lower Countertop 32 inches Higher Countertop Between 38 to 39 inches Handicap Accessible Countertop Between 28 to 34 inches Kitchen Table Between 28 to 30 inches.

How do you raise the height of a cabinet bar?

Bar-height countertops, also known as pub tables, should be positioned 42 inches off the ground (making the base cabinet height 40½ inches off the ground). This height lets you comfortably place beverages on the bar from either a standing or a seated position.

How thick are countertop build up strips?

Build-up refers to the hidden strips of wood that give a laminated counter top the visual illusion of being 1 ½ inch thick. When one purchases a prefabricated countertop, the underside reveals that the laminate is actually glued to a board that is only ¾ inch thick. This is typical of the most common countertops.

How thick should a wood bar top be?

The minimum bar top thickness is 1 3/4-inches utilizing a flat grain wood. Increased thicknesses are available using a built-up assembly or other construction styles, such as edge grain. The front overhang for the patron side of the bar is typically 6- to 12-inches if you intend to have bar stools.

How much overhang should a bar top have?

A typical overhang for a comfortable seating area should be around 25-30cm (10-12”), this should leave enough knee room and adequate space between the countertop edge and the person seated. Therefore, as the depth of the overhang increases, so does the comfort and usability of the bar.

How high should I build my bar?

The standard height for a bar in the United States is 42 inches. This is the perfect height for a 30 inch bar stool. You want 12 inches of clearance between the top of the bar stool and the top of the bar.

Is polyurethane good for bar top?

For a brushed-on finish, oil-based polyurethane is best. It is significantly more durable than water-based polyurethane for bar tops and restaurant tables because alcohol spills and the chemicals used for cleaning will soften water-based polyurethane over time.

What kind of wood should I use for a bar top?

Many experienced woodworkers consider walnut to be the best wood for bar tops due to its shock resistance and range of colors. Walnut can be golden, honey colored or medium to dark brown. Walnut bar tops can be satin-smooth with a muted grain or conversation pieces with prominent textures and knotholes.

What do I need to build a bar?

Required Materials for this Project 2 x 4s. 3/4-in. plywood. Bar molding. Base material. Beer tap kit. Construction adhesive. Drywall screws. Foam insulation.

How far can a countertop overhang without support?

Different countertop materials have different requirements. Solid Surface countertops can overhang 6 inches without additional support (e.g. plywood decking). 3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support.

What is the base for countertops?

If you are intending to have a countertop made from tiles, you can make a base for it with the use of ¾ inch plywood. Make your base equal to the size of the base cabinet on which you will be creating the countertop. Your plywood base should be laid over with cement backer board that is ½ inch thick.

What height is counter height?

A counter-height table runs about 34 to 36 inches tall, and standard dining-height tables range from 28 to 30 inches tall.

What is kitchen counter height?

Kitchen – The standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches (3 feet) above the floor. Kitchen islands designed for bar-style seating can climb as high as 42 inches.

What is the best height for kitchen counter?

For countertops, the established standard is for the top of the countertop to fall about 36 inches above the floor. So widely accepted is this standard is that base cabinet manufacturers build all their cabinets to a height of 34 1/2 inches, assuming an adequate toe kick and countertop thickness will be 1 1/2 inches.

Is 45 inches too high for a bar?

Commercial Bars They should measure between 42 to 45 inches. In this case, you should consider the average height of both males and females, which is 5 feet, 4 inches. This is equivalent to 64.8 inches, which makes 42 -45 inches perfect for a commercial bar setting.

What is standard countertop depth?

While the standard kitchen countertop depth is 25 ½ inches, most kitchen island countertops can go up to 27 or 28 inches deep and over 30 inches deep if it comes with a breakfast bar.

What means counter height?

Counter-height tables typically measure between 34 to 36 inches, and the seat heights of counter stools and chairs usually range between 24 to 27 inches. These tables are about the same height as your kitchen counter or island — hence the name! For one, counter-height tables tend to boast more compact tops.

How do I set up a dry bar?

Installing a Dry Bar Buy or Build Your Cabinets. The first thing you’ll want to do is decide if you’re going to build the cabinets for your dry bar or purchase premade ones. Prepare the Cabinets for Painting. Paint the Cabinets. Install the Cabinets. Install the Bar Top. Add Upper Cabinets or Shelves. Enjoy.